Case 77: aggressive angiomyxoma

Radio-pathological and Clinical Correlation of Aggressive Angiomyxoma: Experience of a Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital

Background  Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare mesenchymal tumor predominantly affecting the pelvis and perineum of females. Due to its variable clinical presentation, it is often misinterpreted and treated as other pathologies like Bartholin gland cyst, vulvar abscess, and hernia. The tumor is locally infiltrative, making its complete surgical removal difficult. Aim  The aim of the study is to highlight and illustrate the imaging and pathological features of AAM. Materials and Methods  After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a retrospective study was conducted on patients with histopathological diagnosis of AAM, presenting to the dedicated sarcoma clinic between 2016 and 2019. The demographic, clinical, radiological, pathological, and treatment details were obtained from the institute's database. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography images were reviewed to assess different imaging parameters. Follow-up imaging was assessed for residual or recurrent mass in the pelvis or perineum and distant metastasis. Results  A total of four patients were included with an age range of 28 to 50 years. The baseline MRI of these four patients shows pelvic mass extending into the perineum, infiltrating along the surrounding fascial planes with the characteristic laminated appearance on T2-weighted image and gradual intense enhancement following contrast administration. All patients had residual disease post-surgery and were put on hormonal therapy. Conclusion  AAMs are locally aggressive, rarely metastasizing mesenchymal tumor that has a specific predilection for the perineum and pelvis of females. MRI features like laminated or striated appearance, post-contrast enhancement, and finger-like infiltrating projections should raise the suspicion of the diagnosis on baseline imaging.

Aggressive pelvic angiomyxoma and its mimics: can imaging be the guiding light?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the imaging characteristics of aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) and identify features which would help to differentiate it from similar appearing lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective review of departmental records was done and cases where AA was suspected on CT or MRI were included. With histopathology as gold-standard, the cases were grouped into AA or mimics and differentiating features were identified on USG, CT and MRI. Fischer's exact test was applied for the statistical significance of the differentiating features.

RESULTS

18 patients were identified of which 2 were excluded for lack of histopathology records. 10 were AA and 6 mimics which included 2 fibromatoses, 2 neurogenic tumors, and 1 each of germ cell tumor and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. On MRI, all AA showed T2 hyperintensity and intense contrast enhancement with characteristic laminated pattern in 7/9 cases. Diffusion restriction was seen in 2/3 cases, cystic component in 4/10 and hemorrhage in 1/10 cases. Pelvic fibromatosis was the closest imaging differential showing laminated pattern in one of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Large pelvic mass with abdominal/perineal extension in reproductive age female patient should lead to suspicion of AA. Laminated pattern on T₂ weighted images and intense homogeneous contrast enhancement further add to the diagnostic confidence.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study for the first time describes radiological mimics of AA. Large cystic component, diffusion restriction, hemorrhage and organ infiltration have not been previously described in AA.

Vaginal Angiomyofibroblastoma: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic Imaging

Background

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) is a benign mesenchymal tumor most commonly found in the female genital tract of premenopausal women. Although rare, AMFB is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of vulvar and vaginal masses, as it must be distinguished from aggressive angiomyxoma (AA), a locally recurrent, invasive, and damaging tumor with similar clinical and pathologic findings.

Case

We describe a patient with a 4 cm vaginal AMFB and the relevant preoperative radiographic imaging findings.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnosis of AMFB remains difficult. Common findings on magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal sonography are described. We conclude that both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are potentially useful imaging modalities in the preoperative assessment of vulvar and vaginal AMFB, with more data needed to determine superiority of one modality over the other.

Clinicopathological Features and Treatment Analysis of Rare Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Female Pelvis and Perineum - a Retrospective Study

The study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) of the female pelvis and perineum and its treatments. This was a retrospective study of female patients with AAM admitted to our hospital. Clinical and pathological data were analyzed, as well as the postsurgical follow-up. Median age at initial presentation was 41 years. Thirteen patients had lesions involving adjacent organs. Eighteen patients underwent complete tumor resection, while one patient underwent partial tumor resection. The tumors were soft in texture, pink in color, and had mucus on the surface. A microscopic examination revealed that the tumors were non-encapsulated, with spindle cells and stellate cells of almost identical size loosely distributed in the myxoid stroma, and vessels of different sizes and wall thicknesses. Immunohistochemistry indicated that AAMs were strongly positive for CD34 and smooth muscle actin, moderately positive for desmin, estrogen receptors and progesterone receptor, and mostly negative for S-100. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the recurrence rate was 33.3 %. Four recurrences were in patients with positive initial margins. AAM is a slow growing, locally invasive, benign tumor. Complete resection could lead to lower recurrence rate compared with incomplete resection. Follow-up is necessary for recurrent cases with repeated surgeries. The overall prognosis could be favorable.

Robotic assisted excision of retrovesical angiomyxoma in a male patient

Angiomyxoma is a rare tumour found predominantly in pelvis of young females. Less than 150 cases have been reported, more than 90% in females and only few cases in males. Its surgical excision is a big challenge and usually leads to recurrence due to incomplete excision. We report a case of retrovesical Angiomyxoma in an elderly male. The aim of this report is to highlight the rarity of this disease, especially in males, and robotic assisted excision as an evolving option of treatment.

"Swirl sign" of aggressive angiomyxoma-a lesser known diagnostic sign

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor with high rate of local recurrence, found mainly in the pelvis and perineum of women of reproductive-aged group. We present cases of two patients, with emphasis on the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics. The clinical presentation was nonspecific. MR imaging revealed characteristic "swirl sign" in T2-weighted sequence. Preoperative diagnosis could not be made in the first patient due to a lack of experience about the diagnosis. Preoperative diagnosis was made in the second case and was helpful for the surgeon to excise the mass completely. Aggressive angiomyxoma should be on the top of a differential diagnosis in the appropriate clinical and imaging scenario.

Radiographic diagnosis and differentiation of an aggressive angiomyxoma in a male patient

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare soft-tissue tumor which usually occurs in female patients of reproductive age. Its occurrence in men is even more unusual and as illustrated in this case the difference between pathology suggested by a physical examination and its actual extent can be quite striking. We present a case report of an 81-year-old man with the typical MRI appearances of a pelvic aggressive angiomyxoma, describe imaging and histopathologic features of this rarely seen locally infiltrative neoplasm and also discuss therapeutic options for patients with an aggressive angiomyxoma.

Solid malignant retroperitoneal masses-a pictorial review

Primary retroperitoneal masses are a rare but important group of neoplasms. Cross-sectional imaging has revolutionised the investigation of patients with retroperitoneal neoplasms. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can contribute to tumour diagnosis, though histological confirmation is often required because of the considerable overlap of imaging features. Cross-sectional imaging is key to the pre-operative staging and planning of retroperitoneal masses, though ultrasound may also help in certain instances. Imaging also helps to select and guide the site to biopsy from these usually large and heterogeneous neoplasms. This article aims to review many of the primary retroperitoneal neoplasms that may be encountered by the radiologist.

Aggressive angiomyxoma with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic contrast enhancement: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumour usually affecting the pelvis and perineum of young women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial in the management of AA patients for its diagnostic contribution and for the preoperative assessment of the actual tumour extension. Given the current development of less aggressive therapeutics associated with a higher risk of recurrence, close follow-up with MRI is fundamental after treatment. In this context, diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging has already shown high efficacy in the detection of early small relapses in prostate or rectal cancer.

Case Report

We report here a case of pelvic AA in a 51-year-old woman examined with dynamic contrast enhancement and DW-MRI, including apparent diffusion coefficient mapping and calculation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first description of DW-MRI in AA reported in the literature. Here, knowledge about imaging features of AA will be reviewed and expanded.

MR imaging features of nongynaecologic cystic lesions of the pelvis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our article is to review the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of nongynaecologic cystic lesions of the pelvis.

CONCLUSION

The rising use of MRI for pelvic exploration will result in an increase in incidental detection of pelvic cystic cysts. Pelvic cysts of non gynecologic origin are less frequent than gynecologic cysts. However, they account for a wide range of abnormalities, and radiologists must be aware of their features and characteristics.

Imaging of unusual perineal masses

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the radiologic features of unusual tumors that occur in the perineum.

CONCLUSION

The perineal space is often overlooked because of the infrequency of abnormalities. Accurate image interpretation and visualization of extent of pathology is important for proper management. Trauma and infectious diseases occur in the acute setting, whereas tumors are common in the chronic setting. Cross-sectional imaging plays a crucial role in depicting perineal anatomy and evaluating the extent of disease.

Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in a dog with benign renal angiomyxoma

An 11-year-old, male, neutered crossbred Collie dog was presented for a history of polydipsia and polyuria. Diagnostic investigations revealed total and ionized hypercalcemia and an increased concentration of parathyroid hormone-related peptide. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a right-sided, cystic-appearing renal mass. Cytological examination of ultrasound-guided aspirates of the mass revealed high numbers of spindle cells. The mass was removed en bloc via an ureteronephrectomy. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed neoplastic spindle cells in loosely packed and interlacing streams within a myxomatous stroma. Immunohistochemical examination with vimentin, von Willebrand Factor, and alpha-smooth muscle actin confirmed the mass to be a renal angiomyxoma. A minority of the neoplastic spindle cells showed positive cytoplasmic parathyroid hormone-related peptide immunostaining. The hypercalcemia resolved following surgery, and the parathyroid hormone-related peptide concentration returned to within the reference interval. The dog was no longer polydipsic or polyuric 1 year following surgery. The present report describes a previously unreported renal neoplasm causing paraneoplastic hypercalcemia and highlights the possibility of paraneoplastic hypercalcemia being caused by a benign neoplasm.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare vulvovaginal mesenchymal neoplasm with a marked tendency to local recurrence but which usually does not metastasize.

CASE REPORT

We describe a case of AA in the left labium majus pudendi in a 47-year-old woman who underwent incomplete surgical excision. Follow-up 2years later revealed no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

In the past, most authors advocated wide excision even if genitourinary and digestive tract resection were necessary. These days, a less radical surgery is recommended, but the significance of hormonal treatment and/or radiation therapy is not clear yet. Further investigation is necessary.

Soft-tissue tumors update: MR imaging features according to the WHO classification

Soft-tissue tumors are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Hence, classification is often difficult. The most effective management decisions are made when a working group participates in the same diagnostic standard criteria in the evaluation of soft-tissue tumors. The purpose of this pictorial review is to highlight the new and the less well-known features on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of soft-tissue tumors according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification established in 2002. The article depicts the major changes of the WHO classification since it was established in 2002 and the most significant findings on MR imaging, thereby providing an update.